I treated myself to a new 8″ square pan at the store today. I really like the Wilton aluminum non-nesting pans. I have owned one 8″ square pan for years, but one just isn’t enough! Now, I can make a square cake without borrowing a pan from my sister. This is a chocolate cake, two 8″ layers with buttercream between and on top. I made a ribbon of icing and put on the leftover candies from the wreath cake. Nothing too fancy, but it’s always nice to have a cake under the glass dome. We love having a slice after work or dinner. Or both.

P.S. The Nutcracker standing guard is trained to look away discreetly when you return for a second slice!

If your hands can handle making a zillion little leaves, this is really an easy holiday cake. I made a double 10″ round, iced it all white, used a round lid to make an impression, then made leaves using a #352 Wilton tip. I tossed on some premade candy decorations because my children love them! This cake was for Sunday dinner and we enjoyed the leftovers for another day. It was a Red Velvet with vanilla buttercream icing–super good!